Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Marks Decade

Arkansas’s dining offerings span small-town diners and barbecue joints as well as globally influenced city restaurants, with local favorites emphasizing generous portions, regional specialties and casual hospitality. In Conway, Stoby’s is known for its comeback after a fire, signature cheese dip and possum pie, while nearby eateries add options such as pho and barbecue. Paragould’s restaurants include Ironhorse, which serves breakfast from early morning alongside large portions of barbecue, seafood and Southern comfort food. Along the Mountain Home–Harrison route, diners can find smoked meats and homemade desserts at places such as K T’s Smokehouse BBQ, alongside a wider mix of regional and international dishes. Little Rock’s food scene includes farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks and cuisines ranging from Southern classics to global flavors. The state is also marking 10 years of its Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, which recognizes restaurants, restaurateurs, food events and other contributions; the Arkansas Black Apple was named the 2026 food of the year.